Secretary-General of the Syrian Coalition Nazir al-Hakim stressed the importance of the civil movement which initially opposed the Assad regime and which is now resisting the forces of darkness represented by Hay’at Tahrir Alsham. Hakim strongly condemned the aerial bombing by the Assad regime on Idlib.

Hakim was speaking during a teleconference held between members of the Coalition’s political committee and members of Idlib provincial Council to discuss the situation in Idlib on Tuesday.

Hakim strongly condemned the airstrikes hitting rural Idlib earlier on Tuesday and which destroyed a hospital in the town of Tih. He called on the provincial council and the local councils in Idlib province to stay prepared for the next phase which he described as sensitive as well as for the surprises that may happen in the coming few days.

Hakim also reaffirmed the Coalition’s support for all peaceful activities opposing the Assad regime and terrorist forces alike. "We hope that those who were tricked into joining groups that are designated as terrorist organizations to announce their dissociation from these groups.” Hakim warned of a possible, quick military action in Idlib as Hay’at Tahrir Alsham has become a front for Jabhat Al-Nusra Front, a UN designated group.

Member of the political committee Hadi al-Bahra rejected the conference held in Idlib recently, stressing that the Syrian Interim Government (SIG) is the Coalition’s executive arm along with the local council that are tasked with administering the liberated areas. He stressed that projects by other sides are solely aimed at disrupting the opposition efforts rather than unifying them. Bahra pointed out that those who want to advance the work of the opposition should support the achievement of the revolution.

Hakim and participants in the conference discussed the latest field developments and the rising tensions in Idlib province. They also discussed the outcome of the latest Astana meeting and its implications on Idlib province.

Periodic meetings between the Coalition and the local councils are held to discuss the situation on the ground in all areas across Syria, enhance communication, and strengthen bilateral relations. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)

The delegation of the opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) headed by General Coordinator Riad Hijab met with French President Emmanuel Macaron and British Middle East minister Alistair Burt on Monday evening in New York. Hijab stressed the need to hold accountable all perpetrators of crimes in Syria, chief among them is Bashar Al-Assad as he reaffirmed the Syrian opposition’s commitment to a political solution and a real, full political transition.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Hijab commended the French president's recent proposal to form a contact group from the five UN Security Council permanent members plus active regional players. "This initiative will hopefully end the Assad regime allies’ monopoly of efforts to reach a political solution and thwart their attempts to work out a solution serving their expansionist ambitions and agendas to extend their cross-border influence.”

The most feasible way to end the Syrian crisis and bring about a political transition is to "hold Bashar Al-Assad accountable as he killed more than half a million people, displaced millions more, destroyed Syria’s infrastructure, tore the Syrian social fabric, and allowed terrorism to thrive,” Hijab said.

Hijab stressed that the departure of Bashar al-Assad and his clique who were proven responsible for crimes against the Syrian people is on top of the demands of the Syrian people who demand an end to dictatorship and oppression and the establishment of a state that is based on the rule of law.

Hejab maintained that a political solution is the only way to restoring stability in Syria and the region as well as to the elimination of terrorism everywhere in the world.

The Syrian opposition is not "authorized to give up" the demands of the Syrian people, Hijab stressed. He added that the world must realize that what is happening in Syria is not a struggle for power, but a popular revolution against an oppressive regime. (Source: Syrian Coalition Media Department)